Sometimes Fat is a Good Thing

One interesting study that was published in the magazine Allergy points to the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids and allergies for unborn babies.

Researchers analyzed the colostrum from mothers with children who had a high risk of allergies. They found that these two fatty acids, when off balance in the pregnancy diet, have the potential to create allergy issues in children. Many Western diets have a high level of omega-6 fatty acids and a low level of omega-3. Both of these are important for the pregnancy diet in moderation and in the right balance.

One interesting study from Linkoping University in Sweden looked at infants from families with high risks for allergies and asthma. Some of the mothers took a fish oil supplement from the 25th week of pregnancy through to the third month of breastfeeding and others did not take the supplement.

When they examined the babies at the one year mark, they found that the children from the supplement mothers had significantly fewer allergic reactions. These babies had less than half the number of reactions to eggs, which are an early indicator of eczema and asthma.

Previous studies have already proven that high doses of fish oil supplements during the second part of pregnancy can aid in baby's coordination and brainpower later in life.

Smoking as a Risk Factor

Finally, not all allergy inducers come from food. One of the biggest culprits of allergies in babies is smoking. Research has conclusively shown that smoking during pregnancy is a potential trigger of allergies for the baby. If the baby is born into a household where someone smokes, then the risk increases even more.

While babies are born with certain genetic make-ups that are unavoidable, there are some precautions that pregnant women can take in their diet and their way of life. It is essential to eat right and to get plenty of exercise and sleep during pregnancy.

In addition, following these guidelines can help in preventing and avoiding common allergies in your growing baby.

Table of Contents
1. Allergy Prevention In-utero
2. Can I reduce allergy risk?
 
 
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